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| MSPO Logo Usage, Eco-labelling, and No Palm Oil Campaign |
Written by Paren Anak Nyawi, MPOCC
The Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) logo glimpse of other forms of “green label”. It is worth noting that eco-labelling is a voluntary green label, which is contrary to the mandatory national standard MSPO.
The Malaysian government has taken pragmatic measures in response to the anti-palm oil campaign, particularly the No Palm Oil (NPO) campaign, which employs NPO labelling.
Thus, the MSPO logo serves as an essential tool for consumers seeking palm oil products that have been sourced sustainably. It denotes strict adherence to rigorous MSPO standards, assuring customers that their products meet the requirements. It indicates that the product was produced on an MSPO-certified oil palm plantation and the organisation has been certified to meet MSPO requirements.
This emblem facilitates consumer choices aligned with the UN SDGs agenda and three (3) pillars of sustainability. The organisations featuring the MSPO logo on their products and off-product signal a commitment to sustainable palm oil.
In recent years, companies such as SOP Foods Sdn Bhd, East Asia Palm Products Sdn Bhd, Kwantas Oil Sdn Bhd, and Delima Oil Products Sdn Bhd have actively adopted the MSPO logo, symbolizing their commitment to responsible palm oil production. Brands like MERRIS, SARACO, CRESCENT, ASADA, REISER, Twin Leaves, "Minyak Mas," "Minyak Emas," and TIGA UDANG proudly display the MSPO logo on their products, reinforcing their dedication to sustainable practices in both local and international markets.
As stated earlier, the MSPO logo represents Malaysia's mandatory standard for sustainable palm oil. In contrast, the SIRIM Eco-labelling mark represents voluntary participation in a National Eco-labelling Programme of Malaysia also as a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) indicating that a product meets environmental criteria based on life cycle considerations and scientific methodology.
Moreover, the "No Palm Oil" labels on products have sparked debate, raising concerns from producing countries as the accusations are skewed by detractors. As a repercussion, the Malaysian government, through amendments to The Trade Descriptions Act 2011 effective March 2022, strictly prohibits discriminatory statements concerning palm oil and enforces fines or imprisonment for misleading labels.
In addition, another effort to underpin the palm oil industry's reputation globally introducing the Global Framework Principles of Sustainable Palm Oil (GFP-SPO) by the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) and efforts between Malaysia and Indonesia to counter the anti-palm oil campaign and negative narratives and promote sustainable practices via a comprehensive framework that emphasizes responsible practices and serves as a common language across certification schemes.
Therefore, the palm oil industry must find a balance between adhering to MSPO standards, voluntarily adopting eco-labelling, and responding to concerns raised by the No Palm Oil campaign. This equilibrium is essential for the industry's sustainable future.
In a nutshell, the MSPO logo stands as a beacon for responsible production, promoting transparency and accountability in the supply chain and fostering positive environmental, societal, and economic impacts.
